The A2A Simulations Community

Hey guys.

I'm finally have a computer than can run FSX again and I'm going to buy an accusim aircraft.

My question to you guys is: what is the best, first accusim aircraft to buy.

I'm well acquainted with MS-FS. I've been using it since '98.

I'm also well acquainted with engine operation procedures, not aircraft so much, tugboats, it's the same principle though, I am an aeronautical engineer though, so I do understand aircraft engines. Holy semiparenthetical run-on sentence.

You're pretty much state of the art with any Accusimmed aircraft you might choose as once you purchase the airplane, you'll become the beneficiary of any and all improvements to that aircraft if or when they are implemented.
Considering that Accusim itself is an ongoing program constantly improving itself, probably the best approach is to choose an airplane that interests you. Everybody will have a favorite of course and will suggest one or another to you. My advice to you is that you choose one that you feel with your engineering background and aviation interest you feel you will enjoy flying the most.
Dudley Henriques

Here are my thoughts: First of all, it is very likely that if you buy one, you will buy them all! Second, it is my understanding that the B-17, P-47 and Cub are on an earlier build of Accu-sim, so they may not be updated. Both the Spitfire and P-40 use the newer build of Accu-sim, so they will be updated periodically. I find the P-40 is more difficult to takeoff, fly and land (a good thing!), while the Spitfire is some what easier to me. Both require a lot of attention to the engine to prevent overheating, but the P-40 also requires fuel management to achieve good handling on longer flights. In addition, the P-40's hydraulic gear and flaps operate like nothing else I've flown in FSX, and it takes a little getting used to. Both offer amazing frame rates. I do find the textures in the Spitfire's cockpit to be sharper, and the low rpm vibrations to be more pronounced (awesome) than the P-40.

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either one, I just find the entire operation of the Spitfire to be easier. Which may or may not be preferable to you depending on how you like to fly. In addition, the B-17 and P-47 are still AMAZING, even if they are not the latest Accu-sim. They are still miles ahead of any other warbird out there. As Dudley said, it basically depends upon what your interests are.

The P-51 is just around the corner, but don't wait for it- there is so much great stuff already!

Hope this helps a bit...

Joe

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For me at the moment, the one I fly most is the Stratocruiser with COTS. Just a sublime sim experience
I bought COTS when it came out but didn't fly with it for ages, a bit intimidated I guess, but took the plunge finally, and its fantastic. With COTS I fly the Strat a lot more often now.

Next is the first Accusim a/c I bought, which was the P47. Big, loud, tough and has long range. Love the inertia engine start. After I bought this one, I knew FSX for me wouldn't be the same again. So it holds a special place for me

Least flown is the Cub (great plane, has Heidi, but just a bit too simple and sooo slow for me).
I do like flying around OrbX Pacific North West in this one.

The Spitfire is awesome, but a pain to live with (worth the effort though). And its a Spitfire, what more can I say.

The B-17 is superb. Great having the crew there, and its a B-17!!! Big grin factor on this one.

Don't own the P-40, not interested I'm afraid (but thats just me).
I already have a couple of fighters, and I'm waiting for the Mustang (NOT the H version).

So to wrap up, no doubt once you've bought one, you'll buy more, its guaranteed my friend.
So don't be overly worried about which one you'll buy first, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Had to edit this 'cos I forgot Accu-Feel, I know its not an Accusim plane but it does make a big difference to non Accusimmed a/c.

I need to add: The B-17's Accu-sim Maintenance Hangar is much closer to that of the Spitfire and Warhawk (the P-47's is very basic)... In a sense it is more detailed when you inspect each individual engine, but you cannot check the pressure for each cylinder like you can in the newer birds. And the radio programs that are occasionally piped in while flying are very immersive! The Cub with it's virtual passenger Heidi is great, but for me is too slow. It takes hours to get anywhere (it seems), I usually fly it just in a pattern or very local area... never cross country.

I don't have COTS, as I'm not really an airliner fan, but by all accounts that is a great purchase too, if vintage airliners are your thing!

I'd still probably recommend the Spitfire and the P-40 evenly, the deciding factor is based on your preference!

Joe

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I would recommend the P-40


It has the latest Accusim technology and it has the advantage over the Spitfire that you can fly her also relatively (!) low and slow.
The Spitfire would cooking you away in low altitudes, that could be a bit frustrating at the beginning.


As other posters said, B377 or B17 are former Accusim developments, but that doesn't mean that they are bad.
Both are very, very high skilled on engine mangement.

A comparison between "old" Accusim (B377 and B17 - I do not talk about P47, really outdated ) and new one (Spit, P40 and following): with the new accusim you really could "feel" the engine, you can really hear how its working, how its breathing, if it feels good or bad .. it is like sitting in an old car and trying to find the best throttle setting just by hearing and feeling engine ...

Old accusim is almost in the same direction, but not as perfect as the new one.
However we talk about a very, very high level of simulation here!


So, as conclusion:
Buy the P40, then B17 and B377 - and you will be busy for month

Go for the P-47 Razorback - it's pretty darn hard to break it. And I should know.

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If you want to fly big heavy stuff and tear your hair out from frustration, get the Stratocruiser (or as I like to call it, the Stratocaster, because its like Ted Nugent laying down some kick @$$ sounds with his zebra guitar).

If you want a fighter that is difficult to fly but still very enjoyable and rewarding, get the P-40. These would be my recommendations for first 2 Accusim aircraft. Everything else is a must have but can be bought later.


Just my .02

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Real Life: Airman First Class (E-3) 140th AMXS; Buckley AFB, CO

The problem with answering a question like yours is that each of the AccuSim aircrafts have a unique personality. The "which is best" question is better asked as "which is best for me?"

I personally don't have much interest in big, multi-engined planes so I don't have the B377 packages. However, I did get the B-17 and I would certainly recommend that to anyone who likes multi-engines, bombers, long flights, etc.

The Piper Cub is a little slow and 'simple' for my tastes but others claim it as their favorite, especially if they enjoy bush flying and landing in tight places including lakes. As a package, it has some incredible features and as an FSX product it is 'best in class' for the type of flying it represents. It certainly is an excellent gateway product for the AccuSim line.

I personally prefer the speed and horsepower of the fighters. The P-47 is an excellent product but, as has been mentioned, is an early generation of AccuSim and therefore lacks some of the features and refinements of the Spitfire, P-40 and the upcoming P-51. Still, it is an incredibly enjoyable aircraft to fly and master (even if it is a heavy, smoke-belching gas-guzzler!) and is a tough and forgiving machine as well.

I was somewhat intimidated by the Spitfire when it first came out, and it sat unused in my hangar for almost a year before I decided to really focus my attention towards it. Once I did, it quickly became not only my favorite of my FSX aircraft, but also one my top all-time flight simulator experiences. It has been so immersive that I haven't felt the desire to 'replace' it yet with the P-40.

I'm eagerly awaiting the P-51D.... I don't know when I'll get to that P-40 but I will eventually...

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I like Thunderbolts! (Link to MySpace tribute page)


120th Fighter Wing, Montana Air National Guard

For a "first" Accusim, I would definitely recommend the Spitfire (quelle surprise!) unless you have extensive multi engine time. The Spitfire is easy to fly, hard to fly well. The P-40 introduces another layer of complication and would be my choice to move on to once you get the hang of how accusim ticks.

For mine the Cub is beautiful..but I can fly like that any day for real. The B-17 I have had for years and hardly flown because, frankly, more than two engines make my brain hurt! But it is a masterpiece. I don't have COTS but the "bus drivers" love it (ducks incoming).


Darryl

(oh, and I am not just recommending the Spit because Felicity said P-40, well, not entirely anyway )




(Edited for speling and grandma)

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...Some say he never blinks, and that he roams around the woods at night foraging for Merlin parts...

The B-17 is totally a totally immersive experience. Lots of support and information to keep it fresh. Best add-on aircraft I have, hands down. The P-40 was my most recent purchase. Also great but 'she and I' aren't seeing eye to eye yet. Great airplane... stuborn pilot!

Roll a dice and pick one to start with. Be warned.. very addicting!

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Drew

My fave is the Stratocruiser. It has just the right amount of everything; the "feel" effects are perfectly tuned in amplitude and frequency, to send just the right amount of shudders through the aircraft. Sound is the best of any A2A aircraft. The VFE is smart, even will secure a dead engine. This is the only aircraft that has given me a genuine sense of fear in the sim...A very good interactive version of The High and the Mighty(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnrTq9Y-uJY) . Okay, admitedly an exageration, but there is enough campiness in the crew interaction to put a smile on your face and a even a tiny touch of 1950's male chauvanism, but not so far as to become a parody of the era. Pour yourself a Scotch and fly this plane. The overall 'Captain' experience exceeds that of any other plane for FSX, including the pmdg/w Fs2crew ones, imo.

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1)i7 980x 4.35 ghz, gtx 470s SLI, Matrox th2go, Creative x-fi
2)i7 2600k, Gigabyte z68x, gtx 285s sli

CRAP... That is the single best endorsement I've heard for the 377! I LOVE that movie, and the whistle/theme gets stuck in my head for days at a time when I hear it. Now I may need to bite the bullet and actually get the one Accu-sim bird I don't have and was hesitating on... grrrrr

Maybe airliners won't be so bad after all?

Joe

no doubts about that, Brandine .... errr, WHAT hurts? how could that be?

Felicitas

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...Some say he never blinks, and that he roams around the woods at night foraging for Merlin parts...